Grammar Day: Title Capitalization

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: Title Capitalizaton

This is one of those deceptively confusing pieces of grammar. Which words are or aren't capitalized in a title can sometimes seem arbitrary. For example, picture the previous sentence as a title:

Which Words Are or Aren't Capitalized in a Title Can Sometimes Seem Arbitrary

Who decides this??

Any tips? Small words such as 'the', 'and', or 'a' are generally not capitalized, unless they begin the sentence.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

A general rule I use is that if the word is three letters or fewer, it won't be capitalized.

Any Exceptions? Unfortunately, there are a lot of exceptions. In the first example, you can see that there are two three letter words that are capitalized: Are and Can. The word 'be' would also be capitalized.

How to Be an Artist

Perhaps a better rule is: If the word is a connecting word, it shouldn't be capitalized.

Some connecting words:

• to
• and
• but
• an/a
• the
• in
• or

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

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Book Excerpt: Forgotten Memories

Forgotten Memories is available on Amazon, Lulu, the Nook, and Smashwords.

      “So, um...this is awkward, but...that's my grandma you're sitting on.”
      I stared at the young man, curious what he could mean. A half smile inched across his face, and he motioned to the headstone I was leaning against. I gasped and immediately stood up. 
      “I am so sorry,” I said. “I didn't realize—I mean, I should have realized—I just—I'm sorry.”        The man chuckled. “Told you it was awkward,” he said, his dark brown eyes crinkling at the corners as he continued to smile. “I'm Joe.”        “Ella,” I said, tucking my notebook under my arm and shaking his hand.        “So, Ella...do you often come here and sit on others' graves?” He pushed his dark hair out of his eyes as he waited for my response.        I sighed. “You are not making this any less uncomfortable.”        “I'm honestly curious.”        “Okay,” I hesitated and glanced at the cemetery. “Then yes, I do. I guess I didn’t really think of it like that until today.”
      “Ah, yes,” Joe smirked. “Until today you were able to think of headstones as the backs of very uncomfortable benches.”
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Character Interview: Robbie Blake

Name: Robbie Blake

Significant Other: Well, I've been hanging out Kara more often lately. We'll see how that goes, I guess.

What is your strongest belief? I don't know...life is just fun.

How do you like to spend your time? Running, doing sports, and avoiding my parents.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I don't think there's a specific place. I'd love to be living on my own, though. I did like Backus when we lived there...

What is your favorite food? Pizza! Especially if it has BACON on it.

Describe yourself in one word: Fun.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? I don't think I could deal with any kind of music for hours. That's ridiculous.

Is Davey a good older brother? He can be. He also can be a real pill.

What was your first thought when he brought Mical home? Eh... She's okay. Needs to learn how to take a joke, but so do most people.

Have you ever ridden a unicorn? No, but if you catch one, let me know.

What's your favorite hobby? Baseball is pretty awesome.

Who's your favorite superhero? Superman. Obviously.

Do you consider yourself to be crazy? Sometimes!

Robbie, Kara, Davey, Joe, and Ella can be found in the novels, Forgotten Memories and Shrouded Jewels.

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Questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Grammar Day: Ellipses

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: Ellipses

I'm letting my geeky nature show through once again: ellipses are one of my very favorite grammatical pieces.

Definition: An ellipsis is more commonly referred to as 'dot dot dot'. It's this beautiful punctuation mark: ...

Spelling: Ellipsis is singular; ellipses is plural.

What's the point? This lovely 'dot dot dot' is used in both scholarly writings and novels. In a scholarly piece, an ellipsis is used when a portion of a quote is removed. The ellipsis is placed in brackets, to show that it is not part of the quoted words.

The popular hymn states, "Amazing grace [...] that saved a wretch like me."

In a creative work, the ellipsis can be used to show words trailing off. 

He ran a hand through his hair. "I suppose that's okay..."

 It can also be used as part of a sentence.

"Well, no...but I had thought that, too."

Capitalization: When an ellipsis is in the middle of a sentence, the following word is not capitalized.

"We know that...and there was something else we were suppose to remember."

When the sentence trails off and a new one begins, there should be a space after the ellipsis, and the following word should be capitalized.

"She said... Well, I don't remember now."

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

Review of Shrouded Jewels

Thank you to Claudia Meydrech, a professional book reviewer who recently posted a review of Shrouded Jewels!

Please click here to view the post.

I appreciate the time she invested, and the kind words. (Her blog is also a great resource for authors and readers!)

Thank you, also, to Kateri and Kevin, who have posted well-thought-out reviews on Amazon!

If you have read Forgotten Memories, Shrouded Jewels, or Sansifreeda, thank you! Please consider posting a review on your blog, Facebook, or on Amazon (click on the title above to be directed to the Amazon product page). Your feedback is appreciated!

Character Interview: Bevin Tyler

Name: Bevin Tyler

Significant Other: None yet. I'm only sixteen.

What is your strongest belief? God makes an excellent navigator.

How do you like to spend your time? Whatever my sister Rosie is doing, I'll probably enjoy. Otherwise, I like to read and go for walks.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I like it here in Backus, but it would be fun to visit other countries.

What is your favorite food? Egg rolls are amazing.

Describe yourself in one word: Compliant.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Contemporary Christian.

Do you feel like you often live in Rosie's shadow? Interesting question... I guess you could say that. She just seems to have good ideas more than I do.

How do you like the idea of chocolate covered pickles? I think that sounds gross.

What is your favorite subject in school? I really enjoy math. Numbers can be so intriguing sometimes.

Are you an introvert? Yeah, I guess that's the word you'd use for me.

Do you like answering questions? Not when they're about me. Why don't you tell me a little about you, instead?

Have you ever had a cavity? I had a small one when I was younger. None since.

Do you like Jane? Jane is very sweet and a good friend.

Bevin, Rosie, and Jane can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories, and the short story, Sanisfreeda.

---

Questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Grammar Day: And & But

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: Starting Sentences with And & But


This is one of my grammatical weaknesses. Beginning a sentence with 'and' or 'but' is so easy to do! It's not technically improper...but it is a personal preference of many grammar enthusiasts.

Why is it wrong? Well--it's not. Here's why it's preferred, though! These words are conjunctions, which mean they connect the first part of a sentence to the second. In other words, they belong in the middle.

For your viewing pleasure...

Final Note: Usually, a sentence can be fixed by combining it with the preceding sentence, or simply by omitting the word.

They didn't want to go. But they said they would anyway.

They didn't want to go, but they said they would anyway.  

And We liked the last performance.

When the sentence really needs a starting word, consider replacing the word with something like 'although' or 'however'; 'also' or 'in addition'.

And In addition, she said she would do it again.

But However, it wasn't his favorite. 

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

On Monkeys and Gorillas...

This was the first story I ever wrote. I think I was around eight years old, and it was for an English assignment. I had just learned about the semi colon, and I was excited. I hope it gives you a smile!

The Story of the Wise Old Gorilla and the Mischievous Monkey

The monkey was very foolish; the gorilla was very wise. One day the monkey saw a tree that looked pretty sturdy, but the wise old gorilla was there and he saw what the monkey was going to do; he stopped him.

The monkey saw another tree that had a nest in it, and the monkey wanted to get a closer look. The gorilla knew that the mama bird would come if he did that, so he stopped him again.

The monkey was getting more and more curious as they walked. He had seen a hole in a tree, a squirrel's nest, and a tree that had some branches that looked like they would be good for swinging. But the gorilla would not let him go to any of these.

That would not stop him, though. When the gorilla was asleep, the monkey went back to where they had been that day.

First, he went to the tree that looked like it had good swinging branches...but when he swung on them he immediately fell to the ground--branch and all!

So the gorilla had a good reason not to let me go. But that is just one thing. Surely he could not have good reasons to let me go do all those other things, he thought as he brushed off the leaves.

So he went to all the places the gorilla would not let him go to. He was on his way to the sturdy looking tree, but there were bad things at every single place he went.

At the squirrel's nest, the squirrels got mad at him for coming to their nest and threw nuts at him. At the hole in the tree, he went into the hole and it stunk! A skunk lived there and sprayed him! At the bird's nest, the mama bird came and pecked at him.

But the monkey still had not learned his lesson. Now he was at the sturdy looking tree. It was sturdy all right, but when he was halfway up, he fell down. He tried this a few more times, but it was always the same result. The tree was wet!

I think I'll listen to that wise old gorilla from now on, the monkey sighed.

The End

Character Interview: Mira Benson

Name: Mira Benson

Significant Other: Aiden. He's so sweet...

What is your strongest belief? I'm not sure.

How do you like to spend your time? Peaceful walks along the lake.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I like it where I am.

What is your favorite food? I don't know...scrambled eggs are good.

Describe yourself in one word: Content.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? I love when Jonathan plays his guitar.

What is your favorite book to read? I've always liked Charlotte's Web.

Do you like animals? They're okay, I guess.

If someone important in your life was seriously injured how would you respond? I'd try to help them, if I could. If I couldn't, I'd probably just cry and hope for the best.

How do you respond when you hear the word glitter? I don't think I really have a reaction to it...

Do you have a favorite flower? The rose.

What is your favorite color? Purple. Any pastel color, really.


Mira, Jonathan, and Aiden can be found in the novel, Shrouded Jewels.

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Questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Grammar Day: Except vs. Accept

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: Except vs. Accept

These two words may sound similar when spoken, but they mean very different things.

Definitions: 

Except: This word is used when there is an exception of some sort. It can be though of as a more specific word for 'but'.

Everyone, except your cranky uncle, is welcome. 

It was fun, except the music was too loud.

Accept: While the above word can sometimes be seen as exclusive (consider the first example), this can be seen as inclusive.

We gladly accept you into our club.

It is also a word to show resignation.

He chose to accept his fate.

Final Note: If you have difficulty remembering which to use, replace the word with 'welcome'.

She had to [welcome] the stranger.

This works, so we'd use 'accept'.

They liked it all, [welcome] the ending.

Huh? The word here is 'except'. 

Welcome is a bit more cheerful a word than accept is, but this will help when deciding which you intend.

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

Behind-the-Scenes: Swearing Choice

When we turn on the TV or open a book these days, often we are greeted with at least one curse word. This isn't limited to media, either. It's almost impossible to avoid those pesky four letter words.

Since the goal of writing is to reflect reality (at least, that's my goal), it makes sense to include swearing in a book, right? Well, not to me.

Would you swear during an interview? At a wedding? While on the phone with a customer?

Swearing is generally seen as unprofessional. Why should books be any different?

In my own writing, I choose to omit all such words. When a moment arises where it doesn't make sense for a character to restrain themselves (and those moments do happen), I cheat. I use phrases such as 'he swore' or 'she let loose a curse word'. The reader gets the idea.

One final point: Depending on your target audience, a curse word can be a big turn off. I would be surprised if anyone was offended by a lack of them.

Character Interview: Eric Larsen

Name: Eric Larsen

Significant Other: None. Once upon a time, Ella...but only in my mind.

What is your strongest belief? You get what you give.

How do you like to spend your time? With my niece and nephew.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I'm fine where I am.

What is your favorite food? Hamburger.

Describe yourself in one word: Blunt.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? The stuff they played at the galas isn't bad.

Why do you always order a hamburger? Why not?

Have you ever seen a leprechaun? No. If you have, I suggest visiting a therapist.

What are your hobbies? Visiting the diner, and helping with the newspaper.

Do you ever order anything but a hamburger? Why would I? I know what I like.

What was your first impression of Joe? He was a threat. I had nothing against him as a person, though.

And...do you dream about fighting dragons? No.

Eric, Joe, and Ella can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories.

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Questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.